Le Col is a high-end cycling apparel brand that has traditionally made products geared toward road cyclists. London-based Le Col has branched into the growing gravel and adventure-riding market with the launch of its new ARC collection. 

Released in the fall of 2024, ARC — Adaptable. Reliable. Capable. — has a full line of men’s and women’s cycling apparel, including tops, bottoms, and accessories intended for venturing off the beaten path. An all-female team designed the collection with the attention to detail and premium materials that Le Col is known for. The ARC collection adds depth to its already extensive product lineup.

For the past couple of months, I’ve been testing the new ARC Cargo Bibs Shorts ($290), ARC Merino Long Sleeve Jersey ($250), and the ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket ($360) while riding the gravel roads and trails near my new home in Reno, Nev. With excellent materials, comfort, and features, the ARC apparel thoroughly impressed me. 

In short: Le Col’s ARC collection is an impressive new entry in the ever-expanding gravel apparel market. It’s well-executed and among the most comfortable cycling kit that I’ve ever worn. It is tough enough to handle the demands of more adventurous off-pavement riding. But it comes at a premium price. I do feel it backs that up with premium performance and durability.

If you’re looking for cycling apparel, be sure to check out our comprehensive guides to the best cycling bibs for men and the best cycling jackets.

The Le Col ARC Collection

The new ARC collection includes a full range of apparel and accessories to suit varying tastes, styles, needs, temperatures, and weather conditions. There’s something for everyone, whether you prefer tight or baggy on the gravel bike. The men’s ARC and women’s ARC lines both feature the same products but with different cuts and sizing. 

The Cargo Bib Shorts are the foundation of the kit for those who prefer a tight fit. Le Col crafts the bibs from a very soft and luxurious performance fabric with wide raw-cut leg grippers. Cushioning comes from a multi-terrain performance chamois pad topped with a bamboo microfiber top sheet. Four pockets handle storage duties: one on each outer thigh and two on the lower back. 

On top, Le Col offers both short-sleeved ($225) and long-sleeved ($250) merino jerseys made from an Italian wool blend. These jerseys have a snug fit, three rear drop pockets, and one zippered pocket. Le Col also sells Sleeveless ($90), Short-Sleeve ($97), and Long-Sleeve ($105) merino base layers made from a premium Italian Biella merino blend.

For those who prefer a more casual look, Le Col offers the ARC Overshort ($155). These slim-fitting baggy shorts have four-way stretch material. The Overshort has two side pockets with zippers. They work over bib shorts or alone.

The ARC Merino Long-Sleeve ($115) and Short-Sleeve ($97) T-shirts are made with an Italian merino wool blend. They offer a looser-fitting alternative to the snug-fitting jerseys.

Le Col completes the ARC collection with a collection of cold-weather accessories. Merino Arm Warmers ($69), Merino Leg Warmers ($97), and the Merino Snood ($42) neck warmer extend the usability of other pieces.

For rainy weather or chilly conditions, the Lightweight Rain Jacket ($360) has a woven ripstop 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof membrane. It is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. The jacket has a two-way waterproof zipper, a vent across the upper back, an adjustable hood, a dropped rear hem, and asymmetric elasticized wrist cuffs. A zippered chest pocket and two drop pockets on the lower sides handle storage. As a bonus, the relaxed fit makes it usable both on and off the bike.

Le Col ARC Testing

Fall in Northern Nevada was somewhat slow to arrive. Summer temperatures lasted through October and into early November before returning to the more typical brisk high desert seasonal averages. This gave me the chance to try out the new Le Col ARC gear in a wide range of temperatures and weather. I rode in the kit at 80 degrees and sunny to 40 degrees Fahrenheit when windy and damp, and everything in between. 

For reference, I’m 6’0” tall, have a 35-inch inseam, and weigh 170 pounds. Based on Le Col’s size charts, I requested all of the products in a size medium, which is typical.

The ARC Cargo Bib Shorts might be the most comfortable bibs that I’ve ever worn. They fit me well; the seat pad was excellent, and the pockets were functional and well-executed. And they looked darn good, too. 

Composed of 62% polyamide and 38% elastane, Le Col describes the main body fabric as “soft and luxurious.” I think the word “luxurious” is overused for cycling apparel fabrics. But it does describe the feel of the Cargo Bibs well. These shorts were outrageously soft and felt great against the skin. 

With 38% elastane, the four-way stretch delivered unrestricted freedom of movement with a very light level of compression. If you like a more compressive fit, you’ll either want to size down or look elsewhere entirely. The fabric had an airy quality, and I found it to be impressively breathable. It was also very quick to dry once soaked with sweat.

I have long legs for my height, so many bibs often fit a bit short on me. That was not the case with the ARC bibs.

The leg length and ample stretch in the material provided a bit more coverage on my longer-than-average femurs. The raw-cut leg grippers are 2.5 inches wide, with a texture of small silicone dots on the lower half that prevents them from riding up.

Inside, all the stitching is clean, the seams lay flat, and I experienced no chafing or irritation whatsoever. Likewise, Le Col perfectly attaches the “multi-terrain performance chamois pad” to the shorts, with flat stitching and no rough edges. I thought the multi-density pad had a good shape, and the bamboo microfiber top sheet felt very comfortable against the skin. 

While it isn’t specified as such, the multi-terrain performance chamois strikes me as an “all-day” pad. I found it comfortable in neutral to moderately aggressive seated pedaling positions, like those I find myself in most during longer gravel rides. It didn’t shift under me while riding and provided just the right amount of cushioning while managing moisture and sweat. 

The main body fabric extends a couple of inches up the abdomen and lower back. Here, Le Col tops it with a stretch mesh panel connecting to the shoulder straps. The seamless straps are just shy of 2 inches wide and come together on the upper back with a breathable mesh panel between them. This adds support for the rear cargo pockets. 

The straps had a perfect balance of stretch and tension, keeping the shorts in place without being noticeable. The position of the straps in the front lined them up directly with my nipples. But I found them smooth and soft enough not to cause any discomfort or irritation, even without a base layer.

The cargo pockets on the thighs are quite large, with ample room for modern smartphones, gloves, or snacks. Le Col makes the pockets with the same material as the main body of the shorts. They aren’t see-through, but they do match the color of the shorts. I found this to be refreshing and nicer looking than many mesh pockets that stand out from other cargo bibs. 

The two rear cargo pockets are equally large and situated relatively low on the back. These are essentially redundant and hard to access if you wear a traditional riding jersey. However, they provide plenty of storage if you wear a baggier shirt or jersey that doesn’t have rear pockets.

The rear cargo pockets also match the color of the rest of the shorts for a clean look. Like any cargo pockets, I found the extra layer of material reduced breathability in those areas. This was especially true when storing items in them.

The Cargo Bibs have low-profile branding in the form of small reflective logos on the thigh pockets and lower back. The logos are subtle and not distracting in daylight, but they add some visibility in low-light situations. The olive green color I tested was subdued and classy, and went well with the purple long-sleeve jersey, too. 

Overall, I was primarily impressed by the comfort of these bibs. The seat pad was perfect for long rides, and the fabric felt so good against the skin that it almost went unnoticed. Breathability was great, and the cargo pockets made it easy to access my phone and snacks without missing a beat.

After laying my bike over and sliding across a muddy and grassy field, the bibs didn’t show a hint of damage. They appeared to be generally durable. 

My only complaint isn’t really a complaint. These shorts breathe so well that they were too breezy for rides under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when I should be wearing cool-weather bib tights anyway.

The ARC Merino Long Sleeve Jersey is a traditionally styled long-sleeve cycling jersey crafted from an Italian Merino blend. Le Col claims it offers “superior softness and durability due to the meticulous production processes and high-quality raw materials.” 

Merino wool is all the rage, and I am 100% on board with it. This fiber is moisture-wicking and naturally odor-resistant, and it regulates temperature better than anything else that I’ve tried. Cycling apparel brands have been crafting jerseys from merino wool for years, and jerseys like the ARC Merino demonstrate that they are only getting better.

The blend is mostly wool, with 67% merino, 15% polyamide, and 18% elastane. Every brand claims its materials are the best and most comfortable. But, like the Cargo Bibs, the ARC Merino Jersey was right up there and the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

Some Merino can feel scratchy against the skin. The tight weave and smooth surface texture of this material are top-notch. I was completely comfortable wearing it without a base layer. It felt nearly as soft as cotton but with all the performance benefits of wool. 

With long sleeves and medium thickness, this is definitely a cool-weather riding piece. Le Col claims a temperature range of 5-15 degrees Celsius or 41-59 degrees Fahrenheit. I’d say that’s fairly accurate. But I was happily riding in temperatures up to around 65 to 70 degrees F without a base layer. In cooler temperatures, down around 40 degrees, it was comfortable under the Lightweight Rain Jacket, and I appreciated the wind barrier.

I found the size medium jersey to fit me exactly as I like. It was snug and form-fitting all around without feeling too tight or restrictive. The sleeve and torso length were ideal, and the articulation in the shoulders was perfect in the riding position. The silicone gripper kept the hem of the jersey where it needed to be and prevented it from riding up.

The fairly standard jersey pockets provided ample space for all the usual tubes, tools, and snacks. The zippered pocket on the right side of the rear was a nice addition to keep things like a credit card, ID, or phone secure.

Since I tested it, Le Col removed the ARC Lightweight Rain jacket from its US website due to a tariff-related price increase. It is still offered in other markets — our link goes to the UK site — and it’s a great jacket, so here are my thoughts:

I generally think that riding in the rain is miserable, and I try to avoid it whenever possible. Since I prefer to ride outside, however, I often head out when the weather is threatening and hope that I don’t get caught in the middle of it. So, I occasionally find myself overtaken by passing showers or caught in a heavy downpour. 

One of the biggest challenges of being prepared for situations like this is having a waterproof layer that’s actually light and packable enough to be reasonable to carry with me. That’s where a piece like the ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket comes in.

At 258 g for a medium, the Lightweight Rain Jacket is respectably light for a waterproof shell with a hood. Additionally, I compressed it to a size that fit into a jersey pocket. There was no downside to carrying it in case of a temperature drop, as the sun went behind the clouds. 

With a Pertex Shield waterproof membrane and a 53% recycled polyester 2.5-layer Ripstop woven face fabric, the Lightweight Rain Jacket is waterproof, windproof, and more durable than flimsier, super-light rain shells. That was particularly important when venturing off the beaten path.

The shell brushed up against bushes without tearing like a piece of tin foil. I crashed pretty hard in this jacket, and it only suffered a little mud and some grass stains. Both easily washed right off.

Given my distaste for riding in the rain, I never had the chance to wear it during a proper downpour. Simple at-home tests showed water beading right off the shell. Frequent encounters with muddy puddle spray, along with a slide across a wet grassy field, backed that up. It certainly seemed adequately waterproof to me.

The jacket was primarily a wind layer over the Merino Long Sleeve Jersey, and it performed great in that context. The shell seemed impervious to wind. It was also effective at keeping cold air off my neck, arms, and torso, so I wasn’t chilled to the bone. I didn’t even notice any air sneaking through the waterproof zipper. The collar was also a great size to keep the front of my neck covered and wide enough to tuck my chin inside.

The size-medium jacket that I tested fit my lanky 6-foot frame very well. I’d call the fit relaxed and slightly roomy but nicely contoured through the torso to avoid being overly baggy. The drop tail added coverage in the rear, while the higher cut in the front prevented bunching in the riding position.

The sleeves were a great length. They didn’t ride up or expose my wrists, even when I was riding down in the drops. The elasticized cuffs kept the elements out while having just enough room for the cuffs of low-profile gloves underneath. The sleeves were a bit roomier, so they flapped in the wind just a bit at higher speeds — around 25+ mph.

Unlike many cycling jackets, the ARC jacket has an attached hood with an adjustable cinch cord. The hood wasn’t big enough to fit over my helmet. However, it was thin enough to fit awkwardly inside a helmet in a pinch. I found it to be perfectly sized for covering my head without a helmet.

I’d be inclined to wear it during rainy rest stops or when setting up camp in a storm. Fortunately, the hood is well-designed, and I never found it to act as an air scoop when it was down. This is a common annoyance with hoods on some other cycling jackets. 

Balancing wind and weather protection with breathability is a complex challenge. Like other shell jackets, I found it a little clammy inside, but it did an admirable job of evacuating moisture. There was some condensation buildup, but it was really only noticeable if my bare skin touched the shell inside.

The large mesh-lined vent flap across the upper back did a solid job of letting excess heat and perspiration out without letting cold air in. Like any quality cycling jacket, it also has a two-way zipper. This allows you to really dump excess body heat when needed.

Likewise, balancing wind and weather protection with stretch and mobility is similarly complex. With a tiny bit of stretch in the material, I didn’t feel much restriction of movement in the ARC jacket, with one exception.

When getting into the lowest and most aggressive position in the drops, it felt a little snug in the shoulders and across the upper back. While noticeable, I didn’t find it uncomfortable or distracting necessarily. I’ve admittedly got relatively broad shoulders, too, so this probably won’t be an issue for everyone.

My only other complaint is that the zipper operates from the wearer’s left. This is not what I’m used to, though it is common with some European apparel.

The package is rounded out with three pockets. The chest pocket is fairly large and protected with a waterproof zipper. Pockets on each side by the waist are positioned well to avoid interference with the pedal stroke. Both are covered with a small flap to keep items from popping out. Reflective logos on the chest and shoulder, along with a thick stripe running down the back, add visibility while keeping branding to a minimum.

Le Col ARC Collection: Final Thoughts

I’ve only had the chance to test three of the pieces in Le Col’s new ARC gravel collection. But I’ve been thoroughly impressed by all of them. Yes, the pricing is high, but the materials, comfort, craftsmanship, features, and performance are premium, too. 

The ARC Cargo Bibs, Merino Long Sleeve, and Lightweight Rain Jacket have all earned a spot in my regular rotation. I’m willing to bet the rest of the Le Col ARC line is just as high quality. I’m not too surprised, given Le Col’s experience making high-end road apparel. I think the brand hit a home run in its first at-bat in the gravel market. 

And while style is subjective and always secondary to performance, the ARC pieces that I tested just look darn good. The subdued color options, relatively minimal branding, and low-key but classy styling give the ARC collection a timeless appeal. And that’s a good thing because I plan to be riding in it for several seasons to come.